This sermon offers a detailed theological examination of the Ten Commandments, with a primary focus on the first three commandments, and an emphasis on the second commandment, which prohibits making carved images or idols for worship. Father explains that this commandment forbids worshiping God through physical idols, a common practice among pagan nations that believed their gods were physical objects. However, the commandment does not ban the use of icons or religious images as reminders of God or the saints. Examples from the Old Testament and church tradition, such as the cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant and the bronze serpent made by Moses, illustrate how God commanded the 2nd commandment.
  God is supreme, beyond physical representation, creator of all things, and incomparable to any creature or object. The commandment warns against limiting God by attributing to Him physical likenesses or finite images for worship.
Furthermore, the natural consequences of idolatry often affect subsequent generations, as children learn values and beliefs from their parents, underscoring the importance of godly parenting.
 The name of God is unique and should be treated with reverence and honor

The Ten Commandments [Part 2]

This sermon presents an in-depth study of the Ten Commandments, focusing specifically on the Fourth Commandment concerning the Sabbath day.
 Its origin,  spiritual significance, and fulfillment in Christian theology. The distinction between physical rest and spiritual rest, noting that the Sabbath is primarily about dedicating time to God rather than mere physical inactivity.
Listen to this sermon to learn Sabbath observance with the Christian understanding, which focuses more on the spirit of the law—doing good and honoring God.

The Ten Commandments [Part 3]

Our Lord Jesus Christ told St. Peter, Andrew, James  john Do not be afraid you are fishermen, I will make you fishers of men. He has been training them all their life and preparing them for the apostleship. SAME THING with Moses, David, St. Paul and all of us. How had God been training you and what has He been preparing you for?

Training & Preparation

'For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. ' Jeremiah 29:11 KJV
Not every "pleasant" experience is good and not every "unpleasant" experience is bad. Don't be too quick to judge circumstances. As the old saying goes: Do not judge a book by the cover
God's plan is always better than ours, even when our life takes an unexpected turn, God is building a better future for us!

Not By The Cover

On the second Sunday of Hatour, the Coptic Orthodox Church reads the Parable of the Sower — the story of the seed that falls on different kinds of soil. This week’s sermon explores what it means to be rooted in God’s grace rather than driven by guilt or emotion. Drawing from Psalm 104, we see that just as “the trees of the Lord are full of sap,” the human soul is meant to drink deeply of the Spirit and bear lasting fruit. 

Becoming Trees of the Lord

This sermon uses the miracle of Jesus resurrecting the widow of Nain's son to explore the infinite and incomprehensible love of God, emphasizing three key demonstrations. First, Jesus walked a significant distance—approximately 25 miles in one day—to show mercy to the widow, illustrating God's proactive pursuit of people in need. Second, Jesus intentionally touched the unclean corpse and coffin, a violation of custom, to communicate unconditional acceptance, signifying that God loves us regardless of our flaws or circumstances. Finally, Jesus's specific instruction, “Do not weep,” highlights God's profound care for our smallest details and personal feelings, affirming that our tears and troubles matter to him. The overarching message is a profound call to recognize and respond to this all-encompassing, seeking love from God, which surpasses all human knowledge and understanding.

How much does God loves us

This sermon uses a passage from the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus heals a man who is demon-possessed, blind, and mute, to contrast the works of the devil and the works of God. The speaker explains that the devil's work is characterized by blindness and muteness, which are likened to an "infinite prison of darkness" and the inability to communicate or function, leading to a complete cessation of life. In stark contrast, God's work, exemplified by Christ's healing, is defined as restoration and liberty, moving individuals from darkness to light and from the slavery of corruption to the glorious freedom of God's children. The source emphasizes that freedom is the central theme, being the commandment of the Father, the work of the Son, and the gift of the Holy Spirit, urging listeners to embrace Christ, the ultimate liberator.

The Work of God vs the devil

This sermon reflects on the biblical account of Jesus inviting Levi, a despised tax collector, to "follow me" while Levi was still working in his tax office, emphasizing the importance of accepting God's call just as you are. The speaker contrasts this direct invitation with the human tendency to believe one must first repent, cleanse oneself, or become worthy before returning to God, arguing that such attempts to self-justify negate the need for Christ’s sacrifice. Using the parable of the Prodigal Son and a passage from Galatians, the sermon powerfully asserts that if humans could achieve righteousness through their own works or efforts, Christ died in vain, underscoring that our transformation is God's work, not our prerequisite to follow Him. The core message encourages listeners to immediately follow Christ, who will then initiate the necessary change, much like Levi the sinner became Matthew the evangelist.

Inviting Levi to Discipleship

This sermon focuses on the active presence and divine works of the Holy Spirit in the church community, drawing inspiration from Mark 3:22-35 concerning the unforgivable sin of blaspheming the Holy Spirit. The speaker uses a recent story about a significant, unexpected donation to the church to illustrate God’s tangible provision and miraculous involvement, which cannot be explained by human effort alone. Emphasizing that God is undeniably present and working in this place, the message challenges the congregation to actively participate and serve in God’s vineyard today, echoing the urgency found in Matthew 21:28 and the reprimands in the book of Haggai for neglecting God's house. Ultimately, the sermon calls for the community to arise, build, and share the powerful testimony of God’s goodness and activity with others, ensuring the church does not fall into ruin.

Denying the Works of the Holy Spirit

Upper Room Media is a ministry of the Coptic Orthodox Church. Its mission is to bring the word of God from a timeless faith into your hearts and mind anywhere at anytime.

The Orthodox Church worships God in continuity with the earliest Church, and as such is the oldest Church. It is a Church of balance: between the mystical and the tangible; between spirituality and theology; between the worship of God and service to humanity. Everything is in balance, otherwise known as right worship, which means Orthodox. It is not a denomination, but rather pre-denominational. It is not a religion but rather a life with God in Christ. 

The Orthodox Church worships God in spirit and truth (John 4:24) and dynamically incarnates that truth in every age - empowering all people from all walks of life to love God, others, and themselves. 

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New tracks tagged #God&#x27;s Will

New tracks tagged #God's Will